Our Stories

Featuring Artists Supported at ArTech, AHRC

Exhibition Statement

Our Stories is an exhibition that brings together autobiographical paintings of self-taught artists who have been an integral part of ArTech, a non-profit art studio in the Bronx. In this exhibition, 26 artists have expressed their life experiences, culture, and personal influences through a variety of mediums. A common thread that emerges is a raw, natural, and instinctive approach, very similar to traditional Folk art. Furthermore, one can sense the vivacity and assuredness of each artist to the theme of the exhibition Our Stories.

ArTech is a Bronx-based community arts center, operated by the nonprofit, AHRC New York City, located at the Howie Stone Adult Day Center. ArTech offers professional, artist lead classes in drawing, painting, photography and cutting-edge technology such as digital art and virtual reality. Their mission is to not only provide a professional studio environment for self-taught artists, but also contribute to the rich arts and culture community of the Bronx. The ultimate goal of ArTech is for every member to have access to gallery representation and become recognized and respected artists of The Bronx.

ArTech was made possible through a generous grant from
Senator Jeff Klein and New York State.

About the Artists

AHRC is a family-governed organization committed to finding ways for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build full lives as defined by each person and supported by dedicated families, staff and community partners.

Artists that have displayed their work here range between the ages of 24-72. Many who have been a part of ArTech have exhibited at various venues including The Blue Door Art Gallery in Yonkers and Kelly St Garden, one of the oldest revolutionary spaces in the Bronx. This summer, ArTech was commissioned by the NYC Parks Green Thumb Project to paint a mural in collaboration with well known Bronx artists Evan Bishop and Katori Walker at Latinos Unidos Garden in the Melrose section of the Bronx. The organization is scheduled to have it's 2nd anniversary this December.

Our Stories is an autobiographical expression through paintings and drawings. Here the artists have expressed their routine, objects that are a part of their routine, and personal family portraits.